Scott bashes Fisher in Lee County sheriff’s race

August 22, 2012

Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott crushed challenger Tim Fisher in Tuesday's primary election to represent the Republican Party on the November ballot.

Scott garnered about 74 percent of the votes - 43,970 - cast in the Lee County sheriff's race. Fisher, his sole contender, earned about 26 percent - 15,576. The race was closed to Lee County voters registered as Republican.

In Nov. 6 general election, Scott will face off against Lee Bushong, who is running with no party affiliation, and write-in candidate Christian Meister.

Scott called Tuesday's sweep more than a mandate of his leadership.

"It's a mandate for the sheriff's office," he said. "The budget's down, crime's down and the sheriff's office is performing at a high level."

Scott, who has two terms under his belt as sheriff, attributed the high number of votes to the public recognizing the hard work that he puts in.

"I'm immersed in the community," he said, adding that means on a law enforcement and on a public level. "I just want to thank the voters."

Fisher offered congratulations to his opponent and his campaign.

"Obviously, that's what the voters wanted and we are willing accept what the voters wanted," he said Tuesday.

Asked what obstacles his campaign faced, Fisher cited funding.

"The issue was the finances," he said.

"There was nothing else that we could do," Fisher added, when asked what his team could have done differently leading up to the primary election.

He thanked those who voted for him and his supporters.

"We greatly appreciate it," Fisher said. "We had awesome support."

Scott noted that his team is ready for the general election.

"I'll deal with that," he said, adding that he will adjust his campaign. "There was one thing that I did differently this time that I'm going to change."

Scott acknowledged that a portion of Republicans voted for Fisher, and he hopes to speak to and address some of their concerns before November.

"I want to earn the respect of Fisher's supporters," he said.

"Try to solidify some of that support," Scott said.

He noted that his team ran a positive campaign during the primary.

"We worked hard," Scott said, offering thanks to those who supported him.